As coastal communities north of Gisborne continue to rebuild and regenerate following Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, a proposal from Ngāti Wakarara – Ngāti Hau Takutai Kaitiaki Trust seeks to give the local marine environment room to breathe. Two inshore zones, long valued for customary, recreational, and commercial harvesting, could be temporarily closed to all fishing for two years under Section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996.
The proposed closures, which cover the coastal waters off Tangoiro/Waihirere and Motuoroi, would ban the take of all finfish and shellfish—including rock lobster and kina—to aid recovery and support longer-term marine stewardship practices.
A coastline under pressure
Sediment-laden run-off and coastal disruption from successive storms have significantly affected the health of nearshore reefs and habitats. According to the formal request submitted by Ngāti Wakarara – Ngāti Hau Takutai Kaitiaki Trust, these temporary rāhui reflect both cultural responsibility and urgent ecological need.
The Trust emphasises that this is not the first time these waters have been protected. Previous temporary closures were implemented to stabilise declining stocks, but further time is now required to allow marine populations to recover properly. The additional period would also allow for data collection and the development of lasting management tools grounded in both mātauranga Māori and marine science.
“This is about taking real, meaningful steps to safeguard the resources we rely on,” the Trust notes. “It’s not only about recovery—it’s about legacy.”
Details of the proposed closures
The Tangoiro/Waihirere closure would span 0.7 square kilometres of coastal waters just offshore from the two beaches. The area notably excludes the rock platform at the southern end of Waihirere Beach, a popular access point.
The second proposal covers 1.2 square kilometres at Motuoroi, including the channel between Motuoroi Island and the mainland, from the Lockwood Woolshed to the southern shore caves. These waters are well-known for reef fishing, diving, and traditional harvesting.
If approved, both areas would be closed to all fishing activity for two years—effectively placing a rāhui over both sites to restore mana to the coastline and bolster fish stocks under stress.
Upholding customary rights
Section 186A of the Fisheries Act provides for temporary closures where they recognise and support customary practices of tangata whenua. The proposed rāhui is firmly grounded in Ngāti Wakarara – Ngāti Hau Takutai Kaitiaki Trust’s role as kaitiaki, or guardians, of the area.
The Trust is seeking not just a pause in harvesting, but an opportunity to observe, study, and plan. By combining customary principles with scientific data collection, the goal is to build a foundation for future marine protection initiatives that are informed, inclusive, and effective.
Through this proposal, the Trust is making a clear statement: the future of fishing, for everyone, depends on bold steps taken today.
Submissions now open
Fisheries New Zealand is currently inviting submissions from anyone with an interest in the affected species or areas. Recreational fishers, iwi, marine scientists, divers, and members of the public are all encouraged to share their views.
